Other trades and services
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But there may be other specialists needed for particular parts of the job, depending on the complexity of the project and the client's requirements.
Set out below are some of the other trades and professional consultants who might be involved in the project.
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Architect
Architects are professional designers with a sound knowledge of building materials and construction techniques. In a kitchen or bathroom project, they may become involved if the client wants to create a one-off design on a new project, or remodel the room in an existing building.
The architect works closely with the client to produce the 'look and feel' they are striving for, and draws up the plans and building specifications for the tradespeople to follow.
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Demolisher
Demolition workers are most likely to be called in when parts of an existing building need to be removed that contain asbestos fibro sheeting, masonry walls, concrete, or other materials that are difficult to demolish.
They're not tradespeople as such, but they are required to be licensed when they remove and dispose of hazardous materials such as lead and asbestos.
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Glazier
Glaziers handle glass and mirrors. In the workshop they cut glass to size and install it into windows and other prefabricated components. They also put decorative edges, such as bevelled edges, onto mirrors.
Where the project requires sheets of glass or mirrors installed directly in position, they bring the pre-cut pieces to the site and install them 'in-situ'.
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Plasterer
Traditionally, plasterers worked with wet plaster or cement-based mortar to produce a smooth surface on walls and ceilings. This process, called 'solid' plastering, is still used when the internal walls are made of brick or other masonry.
In timber or steel framed buildings, however, plasterers now use dry plasterboard sheets (such as Gyprock) made of gypsum faced with cardboard. However, they still fill the joints and nail indentations with a plaster-like compound.
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Stonemason
If the client has specified a customised stone bench top, a stonemason will be needed to cut the natural or artificial stone to size and shape and then polish and finish it.
They may also be involved in structural work if the building has stone walls.
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Painter
The painter is one of the last people on the job, because their task is to fill any blemishes in the walls and ceilings, and paint the surfaces in the colours requested by the client.
If the project includes natural timber cabinets or doors, they may also apply the stains or clear finishes to the timberwork.
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Flooring specialist
The choice of flooring specialist will depend on the type of work to be done and the structure of the subfloor. In a bathroom, the flooring is likely to be installed by the tiler.
However, in a kitchen there are various other choices available, including solid timber 'strip' flooring, timber parquetry, cork, vinyl, and veneered boards.
Learning activity
Audio 9 (mp3 |6|KB)We've mentioned above that demolition workers are sometimes called on to remove hazardous materials from the jobsite, such as lead and asbestos. But on smaller projects, it's quite possible that you'll come into contact with these materials yourself, particularly if you're installing cabinets in a building built before the 1970s.
What types of building materials are you likely to be working around that might contain asbestos? Where will these products be in the building structure? What should you do if you need to disturb these products?
Where are you likely to find lead or lead-based products in an old home? What should you do if you think that a product contains lead and you need to remove or disturb it?
Share your answers with your trainer and other learners in your group.
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